Alberta Government Offers Course For Protecting Kids On The Internet

The Huffington Post Alberta

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A woman views the YouTube video of Amanda Todd on an office monitor in Washington, DC on October 16, 2012. Amanda Todd, 15, was found dead by suicide in a Port Coquitlam home last Wednesday – five weeks after posting the YouTube video outlining the abuse she endured both online and in person. The video has since gone viral and Todd’s story has made international headlines. On Monday, Canada’s Members of Parliament debated a private member’s motion to create a national bullying prevention program. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)

The course, called Internet Savvy, focuses on cyber bullying, social networking, online marketing to children and youth, gaming and sexual exploitation.

“In today’s online society, with constant access to social media, it can be difficult for parents to know how to protect and support their children,” said Dave Hancock, Minister of Human Services, in a release. “Internet Savvy gives parents the tools to keep Alberta’s children safe from online predators.”

The proposed new Education Act would allow principals and trustees to have more authority to address not only the bullying that happens on school grounds, but also bullying that happens online or off school property.